CP Residence // Studionine Architects
Text description provided by the architects.
Designed by Studionine Architects, this residence in suburban Ahmedabad revels in delicate tracery and the warmth of natural light. As a response to the client’s needs for simplicity, low-maintenance and soothing spaces, this home, designed specifically for an elderly couple unfolds through simple, efficient planning. Beginning with a compact size of 1365 sq.
© Studionine Architects
© Studionine Architects
Ft. (37’x37’), the architects transformed the constraints of space through a play of interconnected volumes and double-height spaces vertically across the floor plates. Using embedded knowledge and the traditional building science of Vastu Shastra, the internal zoning and articulation were planned effectively for this south-facing house. The house is essentially designed around the voluminous living space, with accessory spaces overlooking it.
© Studionine Architects
© Studionine Architects
With a conscious decision of creating a double-height volume in the south, the idea of terracotta jali (screens), as a naturally passive cooling device, was evolved. The jali envelope offers shade from the harshness of the sun while encouraging natural light and ample air circulation in the double-height living space, rendering a calm, meditative quality to it.
© Studionine Architects
© Studionine Architects
The common, active spaces of living, kitchen, dining, and the pooja (temple) being vital to the family, were placed at the heart of the home, on the ground floor. In order to ensure solace and privacy during the morning-prayer routine of the client, an elderly lady; the open kitchen, dining, and pooja areas are easily enclosed within themselves.
© Studionine Architects
© Studionine Architects
The bed spaces, one on the lower floor and two on the first floor are designed to keep both the primary residents as well as occasional guests in mind. From the first level, looking down, a series of delicate hanging lights from the veneered ceiling over the living room provides a sense of wonder and suspension! Various areas around the house easily transform into gathering spaces as well as singular, contemplative rooms.
A palette of easy-to-clean, anti-skid, and cost-effective interior materials of wood, glass, and washable wall paint makes for a seamless and easy interior experience.
© Studionine Architects
© Studionine Architects
Special finishes such as Italian marble on the staircase flooring, PU polished grey panels in bed spaces have been carefully selected. Around the house, fuss-free local furniture and interior objects keep the design language simple and cost-effective, while honoring local craftsmanship and economy. A sense of security is achieved through metal screens and double-glazed aluminum windows.
© Studionine Architects
© Studionine Architects
Also, the architects were careful to avoid any sharp, misshapen edges in furniture as well as wet areas around this home for an aging couple. Bands of ochre Jaisalmer yellow stone on the exterior which complement the terracotta screens too, act as a tool for variation, adding layers of discovery within the material palette!
The staircase is the central sculptural element in the house, with a distinct identity and a winding semi-open metal railing, a custom-designed element.
© Studionine Architects
© Studionine Architects
As a backdrop to the staircase, a wall reaching vertically through the large open volume of the living space is a sunny surprise, painted in vibrant yellow. Establishing visual linkages from each level, the staircase binds the voluminous space together. Throughout the day, patterns of shadow from the terracotta screens dance across the planes and surfaces of the staircase! Apart from this, an inbuilt elevator is placed centrally, making the home future-ready and access-friendly.
© Studionine Architects
© Studionine Architects
On the topmost level, a small sit-out is carved out under a circular cut-out in the slab, negotiating with sun and shadow. Adjoining this, a multi-purpose room, like the rest of the house, is kept easy for transformation.
A composition of intersecting cuboids, perforated and solid planes, and revealing a simplicity of interior materials and finishes, this home offers calmness and solace to its residents.
© Studionine Architects
© Studionine Architects
Text description by Niharika Joshi..
© Studionine Architects
© Studionine Architects
